Former Springfield Guard officer to become first woman brigadier general in Ohio Air National Guard

A former director of intelligence at Springfield’s National Guard base is being promoted and will be the first woman promoted to brigadier general in the Ohio Air National Guard, according to information from the National Guard.

Col. Rebecca O’Connor is being promoted to brigadier general and will become the Ohio National Guard chief of staff. The position is responsible for overseeing the Ohio National Guard State Headquarters staff in their support to subordinate units.

O’Connor began her career in the Guard in Springfield when she enlisted in October 1986 as a member of the 162nd Tactical Fighter Squadron at the Springfield Air National Guard base. She has also served several other roles, including vice commander of the 178th Wing in Springfield and commander of the 124th Intelligence Squadron and the 178th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group.

In her new role, she will ensure more than 4,700 personnel in the Ohio Air National Guard’s four wings and six geographically separated units are prepared to support community, state and federal missions.

She earned her commission through the Academy of Military Science at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Tennessee.